The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unveiled the final five nominees for the prestigious CAF Men's Player of the Year award, recognizing exceptional contributions to African football. This year's nominees represent a strong field of contenders: Simon Adingra (Ivory Coast), Serhou Guirassy (Guinea), Achraf Hakimi (Morocco), Ademola Lookman (Nigeria), and Ronwen Williams (South Africa).
Let’s take a closer look at the impressive seasons of the five nominees for the 2024 CAF Men’s Player Awards:
Ademola Lookman (Nigeria)
Club: Atalanta
Ademola Lookman has experienced a remarkable 2024, playing a crucial role in Atalanta’s successful campaign. He led the Nerazzurri to a UEFA Europa League title, scoring a hat-trick in the final against Bayer Leverkusen, marking the club's first trophy in 61 years.
In domestic competitions, Lookman’s consistent performances were vital in Atalanta’s pursuit of the Serie A title. On the international front, he excelled for Nigeria at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), netting three goals and helping the team secure a second-place finish. His outstanding displays have positioned him as a leading candidate for the 2024 CAF Player of the Year award.
Achraf Hakimi (Morocco)
Club: Paris Saint-Germain
Achraf Hakimi has solidified his reputation as one of the premier right-backs globally. In 2024, he played a key role in PSG's achievement of a third consecutive Ligue 1 title and a Coupe de France victory, achieving a domestic double.
On the international stage, Hakimi was instrumental for Morocco, aiding in their bronze medal finish at the Paris Olympic Games. He also made a significant impact at the 2023 AFCON, scoring a crucial goal against DR Congo. As a leader both on and off the field, Hakimi is among the top contenders for the 2024 CAF Men’s Player Awards.
Simon Adingra (Ivory Coast)
Club: Brighton & Hove Albion
Simon Adingra played a pivotal role in Ivory Coast’s successful campaign at the 2023 AFCON, scoring a vital equalizer against Mali in the quarter-finals and providing two assists in the final against Nigeria, which earned him the Best Young Player accolade of the tournament.
At Brighton, Adingra has emerged as a key player in the Premier League, enhancing the club's youthful squad with his creativity and technical ability.
Club: Mamelodi Sundowns
Ronwen Williams demonstrated his exceptional talent during the 2023 AFCON, guiding South Africa to a bronze medal. His remarkable penalty saves in shootouts against Cape Verde and DR Congo were memorable, solidifying his status as a clutch performer.
On the club side, Williams was instrumental in leading Mamelodi Sundowns to a record seventh consecutive South African Premiership title, allowing only 11 goals in 30 matches—a league record. His impressive performances earned him a nomination for FIFA’s Best Goalkeeper in 2024.
Serhou Guirassy (Guinea)
Club: Borussia Dortmund
Serhou Guirassy’s 2023/24 season has been extraordinary. The Guinean striker shattered Stuttgart’s single-season scoring record with 30 goals before transferring to Borussia Dortmund, where he has maintained his excellent form.
For Guinea, Guirassy’s contributions were equally remarkable. He scored a hat-trick in the AFCON 2025 qualifiers against Ethiopia, reinforcing his reputation as one of Africa’s most prolific strikers.
A Night of Celebration
The 2024 CAF Awards are set to honor the best in African football. With these five outstanding players in the running, the competition for the Men’s Player of the Year is poised to be one of the most fiercely contested in recent history.